Parker Owens

You’re very kind. I’m glad the theme came through. Thanks for reading!

Seasons’s Song As constant as the song of working bees beneath September's wan yet smiling sun, not heeding north-set zephyrs in the trees is love that brooks comparison to none. Cicadas lazy largos rise and fall and with the harvest moon soon disappear, yet pass the autumn frost and chilly squall, the bumbler's hum returns when skies are clear. 'Tis later when November's silent snow upon the waiting garden lays its hush, de

I'm very glad you asked about this. Though it wasn't included as part of the journal, Zander very probably came out to Kaz, and then to Terry after homecoming. You may remember Andy running into Kaz and Zander in the locker room one morning, and Zander looking very unhappy about something. Call it apprehensive about what he had to say, but the scene was left off-camera so readers could imagine it for themselves. I suppose that scene could be written as a short piece one day, but it hasn't even occurred to me to do so until now. As for the irrepressible Terry, she must have had some idea about Zander liking Andy - and his not being interested in any girls. As for Andy, she probed and questioned, but never got very far beyond his defenses. She might have encouraged Zander to come out to the boy he liked, but the episodes around Christmas may have discouraged him; he thought Kaz's little sister might be pursuing Andy. She had her suspicions, though, that much was clear in my mind. I wonder if, in some alternate-alternate universe, she would have been more plain and forthright in shoving Zander and Andy together, maybe in the way you suggested. I never really reached that stage in the story planning. I really enjoyed writing the scene in which Zander and Andy announced themselves to their friends - just the simple, unspoken gesture of hands held seemed fixed in my mind as an image. Thank you so much for taking time to pose a question about A to Z. It doesn't matter how long it has been since the final chapter was posted; Andy and Zander live in my mind always.

Let’s hear it for the Sheriff, who clears the way for Coy and Boone to move on. And now it’s time for the two to find new pastures and new lives. What next?

You are most welcome. I am grateful that you read through Andy’s journal all the way to the end.

I’m glad to see a new chapter. When (not if) Cindy finds out, she’s going to blow a blood vessel and require emergency surgery. Heaven help Luke when she’s released. Senior prank? Can’t help thinking Jackson will come up with a most original solution. Thanks very much for a new chapter.

I sincerely hope that Jared goes back for another taste of Shane. He deserves it.

Well, this is an interesting start. Somehow, I'm reminded of Hitchhiker's Guide and the friendly message: Do Not Be Alarmed. Be Very, Very Afraid... or words to that effect. "Hal" has got to be aware he's in the grip of something far more powerful than he can imagine. Er, fantasize. Looking forward to more.

How Rick sees himself and how he thinks others perceive him feed his negativity demon. We don’t see Rick’s texts or online communication, but I can’t help thinking it would reflect his self image. He really wanted someone like Marshall; there aren’t many like him, it appears. I’d love to have seen the reception Willy would have gotten at MKE. Now there’s fun spinoff... Thanks so much for reading, and for your comments.

You're very kind to share your experience. I wonder how many other readers have felt something like this. Even though he fits into his hometown, he hasn't felt as if he actually fits there. Yet at the same time, it is his element. Milwaukee did not turn out to be his element, at least, not this time. For now, Rick has to get back to Eagle Lake and catch up on work he postponed in order to make his trip to the Brew City. I deeply apologize to any Brewer's fans reading this story; I only know the devotion of a fan whose team goes through longish dry spells. Their season described during this story may not be one of their stellar ones - but there's plenty of time left for a playoff run. It's not even Independence Day yet. Many thanks for your comments, and for reading this chapter.

You may indeed be right. Rick does not feel confident or much appreciated. His journey has been decades long already, and may be longer still. Things did not not go as planned. He went to Milwaukee with the preconceived notion that he would find another Marshall. That certainly didn't happen. How often do we embark on ventures which turn out quite different to what we originally thought? I'm very glad you read this chapter, and I thank you for your thoughts.

He definitely needs friends and allies who understand. And you’re also right that Rick is seeking in spots not likely to give him what he needs. I loved what you said: yet Rick’s relationship with himself has been working on that premise, in some way or another for years, taking furtive doses of Marshall or other encounters to ameliorate it. Thanks for your thoughts and for reading this chapter.

You identified some flickers of hope on Rick’s horizon, and I’m glad you saw them. His own dogged persistence in life seems to have come to the fore here. Perhaps his insecurities upended his plan for this trip, but perhaps he may try again. Thank you very much for reading and for your comments.

Rick was looking in all the wrong places, as the old song went. Eagle Lake is where he is known and has a place - it's where he can be confident. However, there isn't anyone there for him. You sum things up very well. Thank you for reading further into this story!

As you say, there are lessons we think we learn from life, and they can be very hard to unlearn. There was no Marshall at the bar to break the harsh cycle of self-battering this time. Thank you so much for reading this chapter, and for your comments.

I think you have hit it directly - confidence is attractive. He has been missing that for some time. It's also true that vulnerability can be attractive, yet Rick may have his guard up too much for that to work in his favor. Then, too, he's had a long day, and may not look his best. Or, he may not appear to fit, or feel as if he fits - which goes back to your original point. Thank you very much for reading this, and for your insights.

Milwaukee. That's where I need to go. Rick said this to himself over and over as he made his way through the day. He said it often enough that he soon convinced himself of its overwhelming necessity. I can just get out of town, I can get away from everything, get away from Cedarcrest. Nothing good ever happens at that place. Maybe he could exorcise the demons of the past, the memories of hurt and unhappy yearning; of infatuation, of shy approach and rebuff; of furtive

Thank you very much. If enough of us ring the warning bells, perhaps even the sleepiest will wake to the danger. I’m glad we’re standing together.

Who else is stalking Sawyer? Someone who also knows about Jimmy? And if not, how can Jimmy both protect and remain a shadowy protector? Hidden dangers will lurk everywhere until Jimmy can sniff out a culprit.

Both words work, from my point of view. I find poetry can move my heart and my hands and my head. That it might have done the same for you makes me smile.

I’m humbled by your response to this. Your poem marked a wonderful beginning to the day. It’s marvelous. Even though we are separated by miles, I know we march together. Thank you for reading this, and for your awesome reflection.

Thank you for reading this. Some days can be hard on my faith in my fellow human beings. Others make me want to link arms, as in this poem. Or offer hugs.

For a teacher like me, the current vogue for convenient fabrications and partial truths is enough to make me weep. Combined with the injustices fueled by public avarice, it seems impossible to remain passive or silent. Thank you for reading this, and for your comments.

You say it precisely. Hugs and thanks.

I’m very grateful you read this. It seems there are so many ways in which we are encouraged into “apartness.” Remembering shared humanity and common purpose may help us all climb out of this pandemic world, one day.